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Diversity of rodents and shrews in Tanzania and prevalence of their parasites: a case study of Zaraninge Coastal Forest and Gongo Village
No full textMSc DissertationRodents are important in the ecology of mammals because they
serve as predators, prey, pests, and grazers. Their composition,
community structure, population density, and habitat utilization are
linked to environmental variables like resource availability and
biological interactions. In Zaraninge Coastal Forest, several studies
on rodents and shrews were undertaken before and after it the
Coastal Forest was incorporated to the Saadani National Park
(SANAPA). However, these studies focused on distribution and
diversity of specific species of mammals in the Coastal Forest. The
studies reported that human encroachment in the Coastal forest as
one of threats affecting the forest. Nonetheless, information on the
diversity of rodents and shrews and their parasites after annexing
the forest to the National park to enhance its protection was not
availed. Thus, there is a knowledge gap on the parasites of rodents
and shrews, given that the rodents and shrews are reservoirs of
parasites that can be potential agents of transmitting diseases to
human beings. So, it was crucial to investigate the diversity of
rodents and shrews, but also investigate the parasites hosted in
rodents and shrews that can transmit zoonotic diseases to human
beings. The findings from the study aimed to provide information on
the diversity of rodents and shrews, but also information of their
parasites of health importance as most outbreaks of rodent-borne
diseases in humans are commonly related to socio-economic
deficiencies. The study was carried out from May to October 2021.
The removal method using two types of traps –Sherman and
Havahart was used to collect rodents and shrews. For ectoparasites,
fur of the captured individuals were combed to dislodge
ectoparasites, and for hemoparasites, blood samples were collected
from a supra orbital vein and blood was smeared on glass slide to
make smears. In analysis the Paleontological Statistics (PAST)
Program version (3.22) and Microsoft Excel (2007) were used to
analyze the data, which determined the diversity and relative
abundance of rodents and shrews. The prevalence of parasites in he captured individuals was also investigated using the prevalence
formula in the study. The Chi-square test was employed to
investigate the link between the ectoparasites infestation and the
individuals' sexes. About 203 individuals were caught in this study,
where 197 individuals were rodents (Mastomys natalensis,
Gramomys dolichurus, Gerbilliscus leucogaster, Lemniscomys
rosalia, Cricetomys spp, Beamys hindei, Graphiurus murinus and
Xerus rutilus) and 7 individuals were the non-rodentia (Crocidura
hirta, Petrodromus tetradactylus and Galago spp. The study findings
revealed that the rodents’ diversity value was higher in the Coastal
Forest, than in the Gongo Fallow Lands. The diversity of rodents in
Zaraninge Coastal Forest obtained was 1.49 and that of Gongo
Fallow Land was 0.22, yet, there were no any statistically difference
on the diversity of the two sites. Meanwhile, the shrew diversity
appeared to be similar on both sites (0.6931). The trap success
(abundances) for rodents ranged from 4.60% to 0.03%, while for the
shrews ranged from 0.08% to 0.05%. The infestation of
ectoparasites to rodents and shrews, was higher (92.2%) in the
fallow lands of Gongo Village than in the Coastal forest which had
7.8%. However, the infection rate of hemoparasites to rodents and
shrews was also higher (95.1%) in the fallow lands than in the
Coastal forest (4.9%). There was no significant association of the
parasites infection and infestation to the sexes of the individuals
caught. Yet, the count of the ectoparasites was higher on the female
rodents and shrews (1035) than that of the male rodents and shrews
(1026). In this study, the ectoparasites obtained were the
Echinolaelaps echidninus, Boophilus spp, Xenopyslla brasiliensis
and Polyplax stephensi. E. echidninus had higher prevalence of
942.6% on rodents particularly on Mastomys natalensis while the
lower prevalence was seen in P. stephensi. In shrews, Boophilus
spp had the highest prevalence of 233.3% than other ectoparasites.
On the account of hemoparasites, Plasmodium sp had higher
prevalence of 59.8% while Bacillus sp had lower prevalence of
0.5%.Therefore, these findings raises a concern on the public health
of the nearby community, livestock and the wildlife since their interaction is inevitable. The parasites found in this study are of
zoonotic importance, hence it’s important to put emphasis on the
hygiene of the people and the environment so as to avoid any
eruption of the zoonotic diseases in the community. The findings on
diversity provide the information on the importance of the
conservation on habitats in order to preserve species. However,
higher captures on fallow lands alerts the community on developing
pests control strategies to protect their farms and houses from been
invaded by rodents. Further studies on rodents and shrews of peri-
domestic and domestic areas, reports on zoonotic diseases that
maybe found in the nearby community, development of strategies to
prevent rodents as destructive pest in farms are recommended so
as to get more detailed information on the rodents and shrews in
these areasThe Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative
Rodent Pest Management and Biosensor Technology Development
(ACE-IRPM & BTD), from the Institute of Pest Managemen
The cost of domestic water provision in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
No full textEcohydrology & Hydrobiology 23 (2023) pp. 420–429Accessible water is a basic human right but due to its fugitiveness and paucity, water is an
economic good, rather than a public one. A reduced supply of water causes high financial
and social costs. This study examined using the cost-based approach, the value of Mindu
Dam by providing public water to Morogoro Municipality in Tanzania. It focused on the
cost of water treatment and of constructing boreholes to ensure an efficient water supply.
Data were collected from Morogoro Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (MORUWASA),
the Wami/Ruvu Basin Water Board (WRBWB) Office, and three wards of the municipal-
ity. Household data were analyzed by descriptive techniques that involved computation of
proportions, and valuation data by cost-based approaches. Due to pollution and degrada-
tion of the Mindu Dam, the municipality loses about 1,168,756,011 TZS (24,145.22 USD)
per year for water treatment while the dam capacity decreases progressively. By using the
boreholes alternative, the value of Mindu Dam by providing water is 64,074,304,515.07 TZS
(27,626,570 USD) in the investment year and 39,828,547,584 TZS (17,172,659 USD) per year
then after. This value was unrevealed and not considered in decision-making, leading to
prolonged degradation. It is advised from this study for regulatory authorities to conduct
valuation studies and use them to refine appropriate decisions to promote conservation
and avoid unnecessary financial losses. The final value should also take into consideration
the intrinsic value that water has, not only the direct one that is easily traceable
Serological survey of leptospira spp. in livestock and rodents from different settlements in the kilombero wetland, Tanzania
No full textJournal ArticleBackground: The circulation of Leptospira has been linked to various occupational activities
globally. This study investigated the seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. in rodents and livestock
(cattle and goats) in three settlements/villages involved in agriculture, livestock keeping, and mixed
agriculture and livestock in the Kilombero district, Tanzania. Methods: Data were collected dur-
ing the wet and dry seasons. A total of 179 rodents were live-captured from selected habitats.
Livestock samples were collected from 80 cattle in a livestock settlement and 120 goats from both
livestock and mixed agricultural–livestock settlements. The microscopic agglutination test was
utilized to identify Leptospira serovars. Results: The seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. was 17.3%
in rodents (21.7% in Mastomys natalensis and 3.9% in Rattus rattus) and 8.3% in livestock (13.5% in
cattle and 12.6% in goats). The prevalence among rodents and livestock differed between settlements
(p = 0.01). A higher prevalence was observed among rodents in the agricultural settlement relative
to the other settlements. A higher prevalence of antibodies in livestock was observed in the live-
stock settlement compared with the mixed agricultural–livestock settlement. The Leptospira serovars
Sokoine (serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae) and Hebdomadis (serogroup Hebdomadis) were detected
in both rodents and livestock. The serovars Hardjo (serogroup Sejroe) and Gripothyphosa (serogroup
Gripothyphosa) were found exclusively in cattle, whereas the serovars Pomona (serogroup Pomona)
and Lora (serogroup Australis) were identified in rodents. Leptospira antibodies were found to be
elevated during the rainy season compared with the dry season (p = 0.05) in all settlements, with the
exception of rodents in the mixed agricultural–livestock settlement. Conclusions: This study demon-
strates the presence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in rodents and livestock related to occupational
activities in human settlements. It further demonstrates that wild animals (rodents) and livestock are
reservoirs of Leptospira and are important in the epidemiology of leptospirosis. Management and
control strategies should target both rodents and livestock
Influence of variations in species and host physiological attributes on olfactory response and reproductive performance of female adult ornithodoros moubata
No full textMaster of Science in Public Health and Pest Managementick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) poses a significant threat to
public health, particularly in Tanzania, where it causes high mortality
rates in children under five and disrupts the health of pregnant
women. Pervasiveness of this disease has raised the need to
understand behavioural response of the ticks to their reservoir hosts.
To effectively combat this disease, it is crucial to understand the
behavioural responses of the vector, Ornithodoros moubata, to its
various host species. This study delves into this intricate
relationship, exploring the impact of host characteristics and species
on the tick's olfactory response and feeding behaviour. Additionally,
despite the evident role of climatic, anthropogenic, and biological
factors in increasing the risk of recurrent TBRF outbreaks in many
African countries like Tanzania, there is a significant lack of
comprehensive data from studies elucidating intra-species variations
in the feeding and reproduction patterns of the primary vectors (O.
moubata) across diverse hosts.
The first part of the study investigates the influence of physiological
factors such as age, sex, and weight of white mice on the tick's
attraction. Additionally, it examines the attractiveness of different
host species, including Mus musculus, Mastomys natalensis, Rattus
rattus, and Gallus gallus domesticus, to O. moubata. The second
part focuses on intra-species variations in the feeding behaviour and
reproductive performance of O. moubata across different hosts,
including mice, rats, and chickens. This comprehensive analysis
sheds light on the tick's host preferences and provides valuable
insights for developing effective control strategies against TBRF and
other tick-borne diseases.
The assessment of effects of physiological status specifically age,
sex, and weight of white mice and different host species on the
olfactory behavioural response of O. moubata, initially involved
obtaining an adult colony to be utilized in the experiment from the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticide Authority (TPHPA). 15 (10
males and 5 females) ticks were introduced through the release
chamber in the middle of each olfactometer and allowed to select
the test stimulus/host for 12 hours over night. The numbers of ticks
trapped in both arms and the release chamber was counted. Each
dual choice mode was composed 12 olfactometers. The experiment
had five replicates per three of the four choice dual choice modes
employed (fixed age, fixed sex and varying age and sex) while
remaining dual-choice mode (varying hosts) had six replicates. The
number of ticks trapped in both arms of the olfactometer was the
measure of attractiveness. Results revealed that mice sex (P =
0.028) and low weight (P < 0.001) to be highly associated with O.
moubata attraction. Slight significant attraction was observed in 45
days old mice (P = 0.045). Gallus gallus domesticus was most
attractive compared to white mice. Additionally, only sex and weight
interaction had positive correlation to attraction of O. moubata (P=
0.020). Additional testing is required to evaluate exact age, weight,
and the species dependent response as well as the role of mice skin
microbiota on attraction of O. moubata.
On the other hand, the second part of the study focused on
assessing intra-species variations in the feeding and reproduction
patterns of O. moubata across different hosts in a controlled lab
experiment. Employing a cross-sectional experimental study design,
the controlled-lab experiment sought to examine differences in
feeding behaviours and reproductive success of the ticks exposed to
various host species including Mus musculus, Mastomys natalensis,
Rattus rattus, and Gallus gallus domesticus. Descriptive and
inferential analysis of the generated data was performed using the R
Software Version 2023.12.1. The study revealed that O. moubata
exhibited the highest feeding success on Rattus rattus, indicating a
preference for this host species. However, the results lacked
statistical significance, emphasizing the necessity for further
research to confirm host preference. Additionally, the study
uncovered host-specific feeding behaviour and reproductive success in O. moubata, with Gallus gallus domesticus being the most
favorable host for egg production compared to others. Given the
potential impact on disease transmission and pest control, it is
crucial to investigate the underlying factors influencing the
preference of the ticks for Rattus rattus, necessitating exploration of
strategies to mitigate their impact. Furthermore, additional research
into the physiological and ecological factors affecting tick feeding
efficiency and host-specific variations is warranted
Mapping the trends, knowledge production, and practices of climate-smart aquaculture scholarship: Empirical insights from bibliometric analysis
No full textJournal ArticleThis bibliometric review synthesizes the trends, knowledge, and practices in climate-smart aquaculture (CSAq)
research globally, underscoring its significance amidst climate change’s growing threat to food security and
aquaculture sustainability. Using the PRISMA 2020 protocol, 369 records from the Scopus database (2010–2024)
were systematically analyzed. The research found a significant rise in CSAq publications over the years,
particularly from 2013 onward, with the United States leading with 58 publications, followed closely by India
(54), China and the United Kingdom (34 each). Germany had the highest total link strength (55), reflecting its
extensive international collaborations in CSAq research. Although most research contributions were from
developed countries, there was a notable scarcity of CSAq interventions documented in developing regions,
despite being disproportionately impacted by climate change. Statistical analysis of publication trends revealed
that the most active journals in CSAq research were Aquaculture, Sustainability (Switzerland), Ocean and Coastal
Management, and Science of the Total Environment, with the highest output between 2020 and 2024. Annual
publication frequency increased steadily, peaking at 64 publications in 2023, but a drop to 19 in 2024 was
observed, attributed to the analysis being conducted before the year’s end. Keyword analysis highlighted
recurring themes such as “climate change,” “sustainability,” and “food security,” emphasizing the global focus on
CSAq as a critical tool for building resilience in aquaculture systems. Notably, Integrated Aquaculture-
Agriculture (IAA) emerged as a key practice, alongside polyculture and aquaponics. The study concludes that
CSAq research is gaining momentum, driven by global collaborations, but calls for more focus on developing
regions, where the impacts of climate change are most severe
Assessment of salt-affected soil in selected rice irrigation schemes in Tanzania: understanding salt types for optimizing management approaches
No full textJournal articleSalt-affected soils have serious implications for agricultural land quality and productivity, leading to a reduction in the net cultivable area available for food production. This issue has emerged as one of the foremost global challenges in recent years, impacting both food security and environmental sustainability. This research focuses on soil characterizations conducted in three irrigation schemes to understand the types, distribution, and nature of salt-affected soils. Auger observations served as the basic methodology for soil unit delineation in this study. Twelve representative soil pits with a depth of more than 160 cm were described, and undisturbed and disturbed samples were collected and analyzed for physical and chemical properties. The schemes were characterized by low levels of available phosphorus, organic carbon, and total nitrogen, as well as variations in exchangeable bases. Furthermore, 37.5% of the analyzed horizons highlighted the presence of salt-affected soils. Sodium was the predominant cation, followed by magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Likewise, HCO3− was the dominant anion, followed by Cl− and SO42−. The results of this study reveal the existence of two types of salt-affected soil. Uturo irrigation scheme had sodic soils, while the Ndungu irrigation scheme had saline-sodic soils. Additionally, both sodic and saline-sodic soils have been discovered in the Mawala irrigation scheme. The root cause of this challenge is inherent soil conditions, exacerbated by inadequate drainage infrastructure. Therefore, measures such as the application of gypsum followed by salt leaching, improving soil drainage by incorporating organic matter, improving drainage infrastructure, and using rice-tolerant varieties are recommended to mitigate salt stress and improve soil fertility. It is imperative to establish a robust framework for continuous monitoring and regular assessment of soil health to enable timely interventions and informed decisions for sustainable agricultural management.Climate Smart Africa Rice Project, Grant No.19-03-KU
The Synergy of Food Sovereignty and the Politics of Malnutrition in Tanzania: What Works, Why and How?
No full textJournal ArticleRecent data from Tanzania's National Bureau of
Statistics show the alarming extent of malnutrition: 35% of
under-five children classified as stunted and 15% as
underweight, demanding urgent intervention. This paper
investigates the synergy between food sovereignty and
politics of malnutrition in Tanzania, examining mechanisms,
effectiveness, and strategies. It asserts that the interplay
between food sovereignty and politics of malnutrition drives
socio-economic progress and food security. Using a case
study approach, the paper evaluates scalable food
sovereignty projects in Tanzania. Interviews with
stakeholders, including officials, non-governmental
organizations (NGOs), and experts, offered insights into the
complex relationship. The paper explores “food sovereignty”
theory alignment with case studies (the What), rationale for
realizing the right-to-food in Tanzania (the Why), and
operationalizing policies amid the “politics of malnutrition”
(the How). The paper draws on political ecology theory by
Bryant and Bailey to explore food sovereignty-malnutrition
synergy. Findings reveal that successful food sovereignty
projects enhance food security and reduce child malnutrition.
Factors include agroecological practices, traditional food
systems, women and youth engagement, and community
resource mobilization, empowering communities and
prioritizing nutrition. Food sovereignty proves transformative
in Tanzania and similar contexts, yet structural/political
changes are vital to challenging industrial agriculture and
global markets. In general, the success of food sovereignty
projects in addressing malnutrition in Tanzania illustrates the
potential of food sovereignty as a transformative approach to
addressing food insecurity and malnutrition. However,
achieving food sovereignty requires challenging the
dominance of industrial agriculture and global food markets
Influences of different types of fertilizers on the agronomic characteristics of chloris gayana forage in a selected area of Tanzania
No full textJournal ArticleA study was undertaken from January to April 2021 in a commercial dairy farm in Iringa,
Tanzania, to determine the effects of applying different types of fertilizers on the agronomic
characteristics of Chloris gayana (Rhodes grass). Four types of fertilizers, namely cattle farm
yard manure (CFYM), blended Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulphur, and Zinc (NPSZn), Sulphate of
Ammonium (SA), and Urea, were applied in experimental plots using six different combinations
in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The combinations were control (T1) with no
fertilizer, CFYM alone (T2), CFYM and NPSZn (T3), NPSZn alone (T4), NPSZn with SA (T5),
as well as NPSZn with Urea (T6) allocated in four replications per treatment. The physical and
chemical properties of the soil in the experimental plots and the CFYM were also determined. The
application of the fertilizers followed the protocols of the manufacturers. The seeds of C. gayana
were broadcasted in all the experimental plots at a rate of 20 kg/ha. On the 90th day, forages
in their respective sub-plots were clipped to obtain representative samples for the determination
of the agronomic characteristics. Parameters considered were plant population (PP), number of
tillers per plant (NTPP), stem height (SH), number of leaves per plant (NLPP), leaf length per
plant (LLPP), leaf width per plant (LWPP) and stem diameter (SD). Results showed that the soil
texture was primarily sandy clay loam. The soil and manure contained total N (%) of 0.15 and
1.76 respectively. The amounts of extractable P (mg/kg) in soil and manure were 3.38 and 40.35,
respectively. The study showed that the plots fertilized by a combination of NPSZn and Urea (T6)
produced the highest (p<0.05) mean values of PP (85.7 plants/m2), NTPP (24.5), SH (136.6 cm),
NLPP (6.9), LLPP (40.9 cm), LWPP (1.5) and SD (3.1 mm) compared with other fertilizers. The
control treatment (T1) with no fertilizer application had the least (p>0.05) mean values of PP
(27.6 plants/m2), NTPP (5.3), SH (53.9 cm), NLPP (3.7), LLPP (23.4 cm) LWPP (0.5) and SD (1.5
mm). It is concluded that a mixture of blended NPSZn and Urea could improve the soil fertility and
hence promote the growth parameters of C. gayana. Further studies to determine biomass yield
and quality of the forage fertilized with different fertilizers under similar soil and environmental
conditions are recommended
Seroprevalence and molecular detection of toxoplasma gondii infection in rodents and pigs and risk factors for human exposure in Iringa municipality, Tanzania
No full textMSc. DissertationToxoplasma gondii is one of the protozoan parasites of worldwide
distribution causing infection to various warm-blooded animals. The
parasite's life cycle requires both primary and intermediate hosts.
Notably, rodents and pigs are significant intermediate hosts due to
their frequent contact with humans, thereby assuming a pivotal role
in the public health implications of the disease. Mortalities due to
Toxoplasmosis have been documented in southern highland regions
including the Iringa region. However, there is a lack of information on
the disease status in rodents and pigs and risk factors for human
transmission in the Iringa region. This study aimed at establishing
the seroprevalence and molecular detection of T. gondii infection in
rodents and pigs and risk factors associated with human exposure in
Iringa municipal in Tanzania. A cross-sectional study design was
adopted. The study wards were randomly for rodent sampling and
questionnaire survey. Blood samples were collected from both
rodents and pigs; in addition, brain samples were obtained from
rodents. The antibody ELISA technique was employed on rodent
and pig samples and seropositive samples were subsequently
subjected to molecular detection. The rodent brain samples were
also used in molecular analysis which is considered the most
susceptible part of infection for the parasite and pig blood samples
were used targeting the B1 gene at 530bp by nested PCR. Obtained
T. gondii DNA was further sent for sequencing. A total, of 127
rodents and 240 pigs were sampled, while the questionnaire survey
involved 143 participants who either reported complaints of rodent
infestation in their homes or kept pigs. The overall T. gondii infection
seroprevalence for rodents and pigs was 1.57% and 26.25%,
respectively. Seropositive rodents originated from Kitwiru ward,
seropositivity was predominantly associated with Mastomys
natalensis, while seropositive results were found across all surveyed
wards for pigs. The statistical analysis showed a significant
correlation between seropositivity and rodent species (df= 2,
χ2=6.2926, p=0.043). However, no significant correlation was found between seropositivity and sex in either rodents or pigs. T. gondii
DNA was detected from all two seropositive rodents and two out of
the sixty-three seropositive pigs. Sequences from this study formed
phylogenetic linkage when compared with other sequences from
different animals including humans from other parts of the globe with
the highest homology percentage of 99.15%. However, the
questionnaire survey showed an inadequate level of awareness of
about 30.1%, exposure to cat feces without gloves, keeping cats at
their homes, and mishandling of abortion cases in livestock were
identified as risk factors for disease transmission in humans in the
study area. Detection of antibodies against T. gondii infection in a
notable proportion of rodents and pigs, coupled with the subsequent
identification of its DNA within both animal species samples,
indicates the potential public health implications of these animals in
the study area. Moreover, the observed inadequate awareness
about toxoplasmosis amplifies the risk of disease transmission
among the community. Consequently, it is crucial to implement
effective strategies to safeguard the community from this neglected
but serious disease.The African Centre of Excellence II Rodents Biosensor Technolog
Social security policy in Tanzania: a review of benefits, challenges and effectiveness
No full textJournal articleSocial security systems provide financial support during unemployment, illness, disability, and old
age, evolving from informal, community-based support to structured, state-regulated schemes. A
review was utilized in methodology covering publications from 2013 to 2023 aimed at identifying
current social security schemes, challenges, and policy effectiveness and is guided by Preferred
Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Different search engines and
databases including JSTOR, Google Scholar, and the Social Science Research Network (SSRN).
The search involves the use of key search strings such as social security, social policy, health insurance, social protection, policy formulation, and implementation. A total of 114 publications were
obtained, and due to selection criteria, a total of 25 relevant articles remained and were included in
the study. The findings reveal that Tanzania's social security system comprises various schemes
like the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and the Public Service Social Security Fund (PSSSF)
which offer diverse benefits. However, challenges such as limited coverage, particularly in the
informal sector, governance issues, and financial sustainability hinder their effectiveness. Despite
these challenges, social security policies have positively impacted society in different ways such as
poverty alleviation and healthcare access. Recommendations include expanding coverage,
enhancing governance, increasing public awareness, leveraging technology, strengthening
institutional capacity, ensuring financial sustainability, and fostering international partnerships. The
study highlights the need for comprehensive reforms in Tanzania’s social security system to
enhance coverage, governance, and sustainability, thereby ensuring greater social protection for all
citizens particularly those in the informal sector, rural and remote areas